Smart Home Insider

This week's guest host is Daniel Wroclawski, Senior Home & Appliances Writer at Consumer Reports. Andrew and Dan cover the latest smart home news, from Apple Home dashboard apps and new Matter gear to premium locks, Matter dehumidifiers, smart shades, and mesh router recommendations. They also answer listener questions and share practical advice on the best products for real-world homes.
Highlights
Home Deck app for Apple TV and iPad
Leviton’s new Matter-over-Wi-Fi Decora switch and dimmer
Ubiquiti SuperLink and Thread hardware
Flight Portrait, the e-ink flight tracker
Schlage Sense Pro vs. Aqara U400
12 South’s updated 25W valet charger
HiSense Matter dehumidifier
Smart shade retrofit recommendations
Mesh router picks for smart homes

Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME
Factor: Head to factormeals.com/hki50off and use code hki50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026!
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Consumer Reports Smart Home Hub
Dan Wroclawski at CR
HomeDeck on App Store
New Leviton Decora Dimmer
New Leviton Decora Switch
Ubiquiti Thread Pro
FlightPortrait Flight Tracker
Schlage Sense Pro
Twelve South Valet
Hisense Matter Dehumidifier
SmartWings Retrofit Roller
SmartWings Sun Filter Shades
Eero 7 Pro
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

In this episode, Andrew sits down with Avi Rosenthal, chair of the Z-Wave Alliance, to explore the future of smart home technology, the role of open standards, and why Z-Wave still matters in a world of Matter, Thread, and Wi‑Fi. They also dig into recent government restrictions on smart devices, the rise of Z-Wave Long Range, and what true interoperability looks like in the connected home.
Topics covered:
The new ban on foreign robotics to the U.S.
New rumors on Apple's smart home timeline
A new circulator fan from SwitchBot
Homey's new Matter 1.5 certification
Why Z-Wave is still worth considering in new and existing smart homes
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Apple's smart home rollout timeline
Homey's Matter 1.5 certification
SwitchBot Circular Fan 2 Pro
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

In this episode, Andrew explores the latest smart home upgrades, from energy-monitoring smart plugs and Nanoleaf’s modular desk stand to the growing Matter-powered camera ecosystem. He shares practical insights on reliability, privacy, and compatibility to help you build a smarter home that actually works.
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!
Quo: Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://quo.com/HOMEKIT!
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Aqara H2 Smart Plug Amazon de
Nanoleaf Monitor Stand
Sonos App Update Details
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

In this episode, Andrew talks with Alan Coleman, CPO at Plume, about how the company is moving beyond Wi-Fi management to improve the overall connected-home experience. They cover smart home reliability, AI-powered troubleshooting, cybersecurity, and why open standards like Thread and Matter matter for the future of home networking.
Topics covered:
Plume’s shift from hardware to software
How ISPs use Plume to manage home connectivity
AI, customer care, and network optimization
Thread, Matter, and smarter routers
Privacy and cybersecurity in the connected home
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
Plume
Airversa Smart Humidifier
Zemismart 2-Gang Smart Switch
iOS 27 Public Beta Video
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com

In this episode, Andrew dives into an exclusive hands-on review of the Channel Master Pro Floodlight, highlighting its innovative use of coaxial power and the unmatched reliability that makes it a favorite among pros. We’ll compare it with Govee's 3,000-lumen solution, exploring pros, cons, and which is best suited for your property—whether you’re looking for affordability, durability, or compatibility with Apple HomeKit. Plus, Andrew discusses other killer outdoor options, from affordable solar-powered models to professional-grade solutions, helping you choose the perfect floodlight for your needs. Plus, other news from the week and a bunch of listener questions.
You'll discover:
How the Channel Master floodlight’s coaxial setup simplifies outdoor installation with up to 150 feet of wiring.
Why reliability and stability are critical for outdoor security, and how these models excel.
The latest in Matter and Thread support for smart home networks, including new updates from Google and Apple that promise more robust connectivity.
Practical tips for integrating outdoor floodlights with existing smart systems, including advanced motion sensing and automation hacks.
Why outdoor smart lighting is an underserved space—and how this new wave of products is about to change that.
Missing out on the latest outdoor smart tech could leave your property dark when it counts most. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, understanding these innovative solutions unlocks new levels of security, convenience, and energy savings. Andrew’s insights set the stage for smarter, brighter outdoor spaces—connect your landscape to the future.
This episode is perfect for homeowners, outdoor security fans, smart home enthusiasts, and pros looking to upgrade their outdoor lighting game. With reliability, innovative design, and ecosystem compatibility at the forefront, these floodlights could be the game-changer your property needs. Tap into the future of outdoor smart lighting—hit play now.
Send me your smart home questions and recommendations with the hashtag #SmartHomeInsider. Tweet and follow your host at:
@andrew_osu on Twitter
@andrewohara941 on Threads
Email me here
Sponsored by:
Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/homekit!
CleanMyMac: Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use my code SMARTHOME for 20% off at https://clnmy.com/SMARTHOME
Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel
Subscribe to the Smart Home Insider YouTube Channel and watch our episodes every week! Click here to subscribe.
Links from the show
iCloud requirements for Apple Intelligence Apple Home features
Govee Floodlight on Amazon
Ecobee App Update
New Roomba's launch
Channel Master Pro Floodlight review
Purchase Channel Master Pro Floodlight
Orein bathroom light & exhaust fan
Aqara G100
Eufy E220
Tapo C210P2
Tapo C120
Those interested in sponsoring the show can reach out to us at: andrew@appleinsider.com